Canyoneering East / West Fork of Big Spring Canyon

High Spur

Overview

( Rated 4.3 / 7 Ratings )

77 Todo Lists / 18 Ticks

RATING: 3|4B

LENGTH: 4-6 hours (West Fork 1.9 miles, East Fork 2.9 miles)

Wed

88 | 66

Thu

83 | 64

Fri

87 | 63

Sat

89 | 65

Sun

92 | 66

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SEASON: Spring, Summer, Fall (hot in summer)

RAPPELS: 1+ to 45 m ( 148 ft. )

WATER: Little

FLASHFLOOD: Moderate, but you can see the whole drainage and skies on the approach.

Wed

88 | 66

Thu

83 | 64

Fri

87 | 63

Sat

89 | 65

Sun

92 | 66

View Full Weather Details

canyon

intermediate

access: 4x4

Mark and Tyler avoiding water in the West Fork

Mark and Tyler just above the tough downclimb

Sometimes good things come in small packages! Although short, both the East and West forks of Big Spring Canyon offer fantastic slot sections. The two canyons have different personalities, with the West Fork being more challenging and technical. The West Fork is recommended for intermediate or better canyoneers. The East Fork, on the other hand, is much easier and suitable for most canyoneers. It does not have any rappels, but a short rope is recommended to help beginners over a couple of moderate downclimbs.

WARNING: Floods in the summer of 2021 have made the West Fork much more difficult! Expect water, keeper potholes, and difficult anchors. Advanced canyoneering skills required. Wetsuit / sandtrap recommended. It will be interesting to see if it re-fills with sand in the coming years or stays more difficult. Likely rated 4B for the time being. East Fork has also washed out a bit and likely requires a short rope and intermediate skills.

Mark Fallentine at the bottom of the hard downclimb - west fork of Big Spring

Mark and Tyler Fallentine - west fork of Big Spring

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